How Image Extensions Can Make Your Ads Shine

Google announced earlier this year that image extensions would be available to businesses around the world. This feature allows business owners to connect images to their ads, allowing their business an extra level of visibility on the search page. 

Now Google has announced a number of additions to this feature, promising it will help create a more appealing search ad. Here are some of the highlights of that announcement and how you can use these new features to your advantage. 

What are Image Extensions? 

Image extensions are the image you see when an ad loads on google. It is a relatively new feature being in development since last year. However, for most businesses, their first experience with image extensions was May of this year. This feature allows for ads to be coupled with relevant images. When the image is clicked on, the user will be rerouted to the same link as the hyperlinked text of the ad, acting as a secondary link for users to click on.

This isn't limited to google searches, with the feature supported on YouTube. Because of this, ads using image extensions gained more presence. In May, Google stated this had increased click through rate by 10% on mobile. 

Imagine Extensions are now available on desktop

Originally image extensions were only supported on mobile devices but with this update, the image extensions are now available on desktop. With over 70% of desktop users using Google as their preferred search engine, this is a big announcement.

If you have yet to experiment with image extensions and your business has a visual element to it, now might be the time. If you have already been using image extensions, then these will roll over onto desktop. Furthermore, the analytics of these images will remain in the same place, displaying mobile and desktop statistics by device.

Dynamic Image Extensions  

Dynamic Image Extensions is when google picks an image from your ad’s landing page and displays it as the most relevant image. Google states that this process can help a business reach its advertising goals with a relevant image more likely to arouse interest.

On prior updates, this only worked for English text, but now this feature supports all languages. This is a service you have to opt in to, so if you want a degree of control over this then this can be disabled. 

Feeling a little lost with Google Ads? 

If you don’t have a suitable image for your ad campaign but still want to utilise this new feature, Google has offered an alternative. Within your Google Ads account, you can find a library of royalty free images provided by Google. This is easily accessible, with there being a popup section when you are picking your image. Google even hands you the opportunity to edit this into the square and landscape formats that image extensions run on.

However, images provided by your company are better for developing a brand’s image, making them more distinct from their competition. 

How to properly utilise these new features

If you have a Google Ads account and are not sure where to take it, here at RankingCo we can give your campaign direction. We’re experts in digital marketing and live and breathe google ads. If you are interested in taking the next step with your companies Google Ads to the next level, contact us on 1300 247 045 or click here.